Head of Partnership & Resource Development at Kenya Red Cross Society

Overview

• The purpose of the Head of Partnerships and Resource Development position is to provide leadership for building KRCS partnerships, innovative and sustainable financing in line with the existing KRCS strategic plan. Additionally, the position will be responsible for deepening collaboration with key stakeholders and provide an interface for environmental scanning, resource mobilization, knowledge exchange, and policy influence within the scope of assignment. The incumbent will serve as focal point and resource for colleagues on specific thematic areas of strategic relevance for partnerships and resource development. The key result is to ensure greater visibility and resourcing for KRCS and influence in support of its mission

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership Engagement

• Identify, incubate and advance strategic partnership opportunities, collaborations and programs to grow KRCS resource base.
• Support building and maintaining KRCS’s relationships with key partners and ensure proactive coordination, monitoring and facilitation of KRCS’s timely response.
• Support teams to identify/develop new partnerships & strengthen existing ones (programmatic, County Governments, MOUs, collaboration mechanisms, etc)
• Provide technical support to senior management and other senior managers in preparation donor meetings and consultations (e.g preparation of briefs, notes, and other materials)
• Act as a direct entry point for partners, donors, and for building/maintaining institutional relationships
• Diversify KRCS partnerships and fundraising portfolio (public, private sector; foundations, UN, high net-worth individuals, etc)
• Represent KRCS in strategic fora (RC/RC movement and others)
• Provide leadership developing new and innovative partnerships and resource/funding streams
• Work with communication department to standardise key documents for external consumption and other high-end events involving development partners.
• Oversee the relationships with key partners and ensure strategic positioning of KRCS with key partners and donors
• Build trust and maintain effective relationships with partners and donors
• Provide strategic advice to the programmes, regions and branches on building and maintaining partnerships

Partner and Donor Relations

• Maintain active partnership/relationship with partners - organize partners'/donors' meetings
• Ensure regular communication and timely information sharing with partners/donors
• In collaboration with legal department, ensure internal quality check and organizational compliance review of partnership agreements
• Disseminate guidelines/procedures for partnership management
• Maintain and regularly update the partner's and donor’s contact list.

Development of KRCS Funding Strategies and Initiatives

• Undertake proactive research, donor intelligence & knowledge sharing and information on prospect funding.
• Lead formation of partnerships, alliances, consortia etc for resource mobilisation
• Maintain an online fundraising matrix and central platform/database for proposals/grants
• Lead the development/review of resource mobilisation /fundraising strategy
• Provide advice and support to KRCS programme teams, regions and branches on resource development procedures, guidelines and funding modalities;
• Ensure compliance with the terms of grants and agreements, particularly for high value strategic grants/donors & provide technical support in the preparation of high quality and timely donor reports;
• Coordinate with the monitoring and reporting teams for the collection of information and preparation of results-based reports for external constituencies.
• Oversee the mapping and identification of funding opportunities and provide regular donor intelligence
• Oversee the development and implementation of targeted fund-raising strategies, and development of targeted initiatives to mobilize resources and diversified donor funding
• Lead the diversification of KRCS resources portfolio (multilateral, bilateral, institutional, private sector, etc)
• Coordinate the development of strategic funding proposals, provide technical support and ensure timely submission of high quality funding proposals in line with the KRCS Strategic Plan and donor requirements

Learning and Knowledge Management

• Facilitate staff training/capacity building programme on partnerships development and resource development
• Development of learning for promotion and meaningful partnerships, creating evidence on what works/doesn’t work.
• Provide technical support and develop capacities of KRCS staff in partnerships and resource development
• Review and make amendments to KRCS rules, policies and procedures regarding fundraising, partnerships and resource mobilization.

Other responsibilities

• Perform other related duties.

Functional Competencies

• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills,
• Strong programmatic knowledge and experience in at least 2 or 3 of the thematic areas of KRCS work (in Disaster risk management, Health, nutrition and social services , Research & Development, Youth Engagement  )
• Proven networking skills and ability to mobilize support for the KRCS
• Demonstrated ability to represent the organization and interact effectively with government representatives, partners, donors, etc
• Excellent negotiating skills;
• Knowledge and understanding of the humanitarian and development funding landscape, systems and processes
• Excellent IT skills, including databases, extranet and office software packages;

Skills

• Diplomatic communication and negotiation skills to establish and maintain trusted partnerships for achievement of objectives and to develop close and effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Current knowledge of humanitarian and  development issues, strategies, as well as programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation.
• In depth knowledge of partnership development and resource mobilization
• Demonstrated ability to formulate new approaches in respect of resources management and outreach- related activities.
• Skill in the identification of new opportunities or requirements to meet challenges in the field and propose changes.
• Excellent communications skills, verbal and written.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent in development studies, social sciences, public health, international relations, communications, business management, or a related field is required.
• Additional training in resource/business development is highly desired
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in programmes management/development, resource development, and business development;
• Experience in Disaster Management(Preparedness and Response) /Public Health Emergencies /Research, Learning and Development/Policy & Advocacy/Youth Development /Protection Gender & Inclusion etc
• Proven experience in successful development of partnerships, network-building, and track record in resource mobilization;
• Extensive experience in partner communications, including clearly communicating results, evidence, policy analysis;
• Experience working with civil society organizations, international institutions and donors; e.g USAID,EU,ECHO, CIDA,  etc
• Experience working with national/international bilateral partners on development projects/programmes;
• Experience working with private sector partners in development issues;
• Working knowledge of and/or successful track record of networking with development actors and donor communities;
• Experience working in the RC/RC, development/humanitarian sector is an asset.